Pick your Fruit

                                                                               

                                                Matthew 9 : 35-38

Intro

There is a TIME for everything, and a season for every ACTIVITY under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

In order to produce fruit, seed must be sown during a certain season.

The seed must be cared for by watering and removing weed it frequently.

Then you have to…….

MOVE

·         Jesus moved around from place to place preaching, teaching & healing people.

·         He moved out of HIS “comfort-zone” when He left heaven.

·         He was worshipped and adored by the Angels in heaven.

·         He was looked upon and rejected on earth.

·         Disciples /Followers of Jesus must be willing to leave your comfort zone too.

·         Be mindful that people may not accept you or praise you when you do this.

MOTIVATION

·         Jesus’ motivation for leaving His place of comfort was HIS love for His Father, WHO in turn loved His creation so much.

·         The TRIUNE God was heart-broken because humanity decided to turn their backs on HIM.

·         Jesus had compassion on the people when He saw the miserable conditions in which His people found themselves.

·         They were in distress/helpless because their problems were so great that they did not know who to turn to or what to do.

MORE

There are a huge amount of people in need .The work is great, BUT the

challenge is that there is not enough manpower.

Jesus solution……….

He made the profound statement that it is God’s harvest field-ie people so He will answer.

Ask for MORE workers

Ripe fruit eventually rots if it is NOT PICKED fruit from the tree.

Can it be that our society is “over-ripe” and are beginning to rot?

Rotten fruit is filled with worms and has a bad stench /smell.

Our society does reveal a state of “over-ripeness” with all the social ills that we are experiencing.

The picking of fruit must take place within a specific season.

B.TIMING

How will we know that the harvest is ready ie that it’s time to pick the fruit?

·         LISTEN

To conversations of people-not eavesdrop to gossip, but to pray for them. Speak to people and ask the right type of questions

·         LOOK

At their behaviour/facial expressions/body language/behaviour

·         LAY

At the feet of Jesus. He will make it known in our hearts.

C.SITE

 The work that needs to be done is outside the four-walls of the church ie.

workplaces, queues, travelling with public transport or wherever you may find yourself.

The work in the church is limited.

The church serves as a place to be developed and refreshed through teaching, fellowship, worship

and prayer.

A few Misconceptions about the work

·         The harvest field is within the confines of the church structure only.

·         Workers are confused about their role and function in certain instances;

·         The only means to influence others is through positions and titles  

Because of these misconceptions, believers are not as effective in their witnessing.

These misconceptions also lead to unhealthy competition.

Conclusion

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;

and he who wins souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30)

The fruit crop is ready to be picked.

Take your pick of fruit!!